More than 350,000 campaigners took to the streets to demonstrate over tax rises brought in to fund the event.

Even bus fares have been put up to try to rake in more cash to foot the multi-million pound bill.

Many cities were brought to a standstill on Monday night as police fired rubber bullets and dropped tear gas from helicopters.

In Rio de Janeiro, where the World Cup final is due to take place in 13 months’ time, dozens were injured as at least 100,000 protesters hit the streets.

More than 250,000 protesters brought São Paulo to a standstill and there were demos in eight other cities, including the capital, Brasilia.

Millions of people in Brazil live in poverty, and health services and education have suffered from lack of government investment.

“We don’t want the World Cup, we want education and health”

Protesters' banners

The protests by the usually football-mad Brazilians began last week as the Confederations Cup, a warm-up to the World Cup, kicked off.

Rubber bullets and tear gas were used on protesters in Belo Horizonte, where Nigeria took on Tahiti.

In Fortaleza, where Brazil are due to play Mexico today more than 600 people surrounded the squad’s hotel, carrying banners which read “Fifa give us our money back” and “We don’t want the World Cup, we want education and health”.